California Institute of Technology

Caltech employs one manager for sustainability programs, one full-time transportation coordinator, two full-time recycling specialists, one energy manager, and three LEED Accredited Professionals. The Sustainability Committee is continuing the work of the Environmental Task Force, which drafted an environmental policy statement. Caltech has a comprehensive green purchasing policy.

Caltech is currently installing 1.25 megawatts of solar power on campus. The institute's energy management programs have included lighting and heating/cooling retrofits, as well as the installation of motion sensors and reflective roofs. Facilities Management has created a committee to educate the campus community on energy conservation.

In 2007 Caltech purchased 60 percent of its produce from local sources and 5 percent of produce was organic. There are several on-campus gardens that provide produce to the main cafeteria and residence halls, and fresh olive oil, produced on campus, is sold in the campus store. Dining services uses biodegradable or recyclable to-go containers.

All new construction and major renovations aim for LEED Gold certification. Caltech's overall campus design guidelines are under review to incorporate green building design standards. Three new projects are currently seeking LEED Gold certification. The new Center for Global Environmental Science is in the design stage of a LEED Platinum renovation.

A fellowship program offers students an opportunity to work towards improving energy efficiency on campus. Sustainability-related student organizations on campus includes an electric vehicle club, which builds carbon-neutral cars. Students are collaborating on an initiative to construct a 20-kilowatt solar array on the roof of a laboratory building.

Caltech's fleet includes 125 electric carts and three hybrid vehicles. Caltech runs rideshare and carpool programs, and offers subsidies, discounts, and incentives to Caltech community members who use public transportation, which is accessible from campus.

Caltech publishes an annual financial report and investment report that include information on the Caltech endowment. The institute makes a list of specific endowment holdings available only to trustees and senior administrators.

Caltech aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds. Donors are given the option to make gifts to the endowment that are separately invested with investment restrictions, which could include investing in a fund that considers environmental/sustainability factors.

Caltech does not have the ability to vote proxies, as the endowment pool is invested in commingled funds.